Okan Buruk: After European matches, players can’t focus on the league”

Galatasaray Head Coach Okan Buruk, during a conversation with students at Galatasaray High School, responded to the questions posed. In his remarks, Buruk stated the following:

“YOU MUST ALWAYS WIN”

"Hopefully this year we will achieve this more both in Turkey and in Europe. I know that you have big goals and ideals. We have the same goals and ideals as well. The responsibility at Galatasaray is very great. Because here, you must always win. Every team feels this pressure, but it is greater at Galatasaray. You must make millions of fans happy. This responsibility, especially for a foreign coach, may not always be felt in the same way, but I feel it very deeply because I am a Galatasaray fan."

“ONE OF OUR BIGGEST GOALS IS TO RISE IN EUROPE”

"Looking at the last four years, since I took over, Galatasaray has drawn a much more upward trajectory in terms of football. Galatasaray’s values are always constant; you adapt to them and live by them. Being a Galatasaray fan is a culture in itself. Supporting a team is one thing; being a Galatasaray fan is very different. Galatasaray’s goals never end. One of our most important goals is to rise again in Europe. Our management is making great efforts both economically and in sporting terms. With the efforts of our President Mr. Dursun Özbek, we also try to take these goals further on the field."

“PLAYERS’ MOTIVATION IS DIFFERENT”

"We have been champions in the last three seasons. The reason is moving forward together with the right group of players, the right technical staff, and the right management. Our goal this season was to achieve the fourth championship and add the fifth star; we succeeded in doing that. Adding the fifth star was very valuable for both me and my players. The Champions League is the biggest arena. Players’ motivation is also different there. Before and after Champions League matches, it can be difficult to achieve the same concentration in league matches. But you need to learn to manage this pressure."

TRANSFER COMMENTS

"In terms of transfers, it is very important to bring the right players to the team. Contribution to the team takes priority over the name. This year, our managers did everything we asked; I thank them all. We have two very valuable forwards, Icardi and Osimhen. We are trying to prepare both in the best way possible. Osimhen’s transfer was a great success; we achieved something that no one believed possible."